Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Master Mix Biscuits
Plate of golden biscuits served with jam.

Master Mix Biscuits

A quick and easy all-in-one mix for making delicious biscuits.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
10 Servings
Baked Apple Chips
Slices of dried apples sprinkled with cinnamon are displayed on a platter.

Baked Apple Chips

Simple yet tasty snack or dessert recipe combining sweet apples and warm cinnamon spice. Only 2 ingredients!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
2 hours
Makes:
2 Cups
Do-It-Yourself Trail Mix
Wooden bowl with a mixture of nuts, twist pretzels and cereal.

Do-It-Yourself Trail Mix

Kids will love to customize their own trail mix from healthy ingredients.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Personal Salad in a Bag
Plastic bag holding salad and dressing.

Personal Salad in a Bag

A customizable salad in a bag that is perfect for a simple lunch. Add your favorite vegetables and salad dressings to make a fast and easy meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Vegetables and Turkey Stir-Fry
Plate of rice with a turkey and vegetable topping.

Vegetables and Turkey Stir-Fry

Quick and easy turkey meal with garlic, ginger and whole grain noodles.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Peachy Keen Flavored Water
Glasses of fruit flavored water with sage.

Peachy Keen Flavored Water

Enjoy the taste of summer in this refreshing flavored water.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 servings